John Scofield has long been one of my favorite modern jazz guitarists. Like Pat Metheny, he has unbelievable chops, taste, and a seemingly endless supply of energy. His approach to improvisation is smokin' and funky, ethereal and abstract. He is truly one of the most influential jazz masters of our time, and one of the most consistently productive. In addition to all this, what makes John Scofield great is his ability to always be working with fantastic musicians (something he may have learned from his time with Miles Davis). His recent trio is a case in point.
Steve Swallow is an electric bass legend (and, interesting enough, also rumored to be one of the primary authors of the old contraband version of the Real Book). His sound is unique among jazz bass players, and his instincts are true. His electric bass work is surprisingly organic, as it seems to grow from the changes rather than follow them. He is one of the most unique jazz bass players working today.
Rounding out the trio is drummer Bill Stewart, who, despite being the youngest member of the group, is a veteran of many fantastic John Scofield groups and recordings. To my mind, Bill Stewart is one of the most intriguing jazz drummers working today. His sticking is crisp and dry (like fine wine) and his feel not only locks in the groove but also adds an element of genuine playfulness that is endlessly compelling. In many ways Bill Stewart is a "jazz drummer's drummer," as he seems somehow to be as modern as they come while holding fast to an underlying thread of jazz tradition.
Check out these three masters working through a perfect groove—their collective artistry is mesmerizing:
Steve Swallow is an electric bass legend (and, interesting enough, also rumored to be one of the primary authors of the old contraband version of the Real Book). His sound is unique among jazz bass players, and his instincts are true. His electric bass work is surprisingly organic, as it seems to grow from the changes rather than follow them. He is one of the most unique jazz bass players working today.
Rounding out the trio is drummer Bill Stewart, who, despite being the youngest member of the group, is a veteran of many fantastic John Scofield groups and recordings. To my mind, Bill Stewart is one of the most intriguing jazz drummers working today. His sticking is crisp and dry (like fine wine) and his feel not only locks in the groove but also adds an element of genuine playfulness that is endlessly compelling. In many ways Bill Stewart is a "jazz drummer's drummer," as he seems somehow to be as modern as they come while holding fast to an underlying thread of jazz tradition.
Check out these three masters working through a perfect groove—their collective artistry is mesmerizing:
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